Montrose–Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce:

When you let go of the demands on your time that do not serve your highest purpose, freedom is at your beck and call. This statement is so true and we need to look at life as a great adventure again. Pay attention to what makes you happy and take time out to make yourself happy.

The weather is warm and what better way to cool off than to visit Montrose Melt Café & Gelato Bar located at 3600 Ocean View Blvd. # 4 here in Glendale? They have over 32 flavors of gelato and sorbetos to choose from. Did you know gelato has between 20%-40% less fat than ice cream? Their menu offers a wide variety of healthy items, too, and a must is the Pomegranate Breakfast Bowl. In the mood for a smoothie, ice blended creation, crepe or just want a delicious panini? Check them out. Mention you read about them here and get a 15% discount on your order.

People do take advantage of sales and that’s why businesses have them, to entice new business. Your Chamber is no different in this aspect, so the summer sale has been extended through the month of August. The Chamber of Commerce is in business to provide our members with a better community in which to live and make a living. Get involved with your Chamber and find out what we’re doing today and what we’re going to do tomorrow. The summer time is a busy time and we want to make sure all businesses have the opportunity to join the Chamber. The Chamber has added another full month for a great savings. Join the Chamber in the month of August and we will waive the one time enrollment fee of $25. Bring us 500 fliers and we will insert them in the September newsletter for nothing, a $50 value. The Chamber is supported by membership, so take us up on this special offer before Aug. 29.

I would like to introduce a new member who saw the value in joining the Chamber this month: Brainstormers–ABI Support, Inc. This non-profit organization is run by Dora Camp who can be contacted at (818) 957-8089. For more information on brain injury support, check out their website at www.brainstormingbook.com.

Thank you to our Chamber members who find the value in supporting the Chamber and continue their memberships even in tough times; we really appreciate it!

The Foothills Community Business Expo is rapidly approaching and will be here before you know it. The booth price before Aug. 11 is $100 and after that is $120, so get your forms returned to get the best deal. This is a cost effective way to make sure the community knows of your business. Remember that you must be a Chamber member to exhibit your business at the Expo.

Watercolorist Gerald Brommer is coming to town Dec. 8th – Dec. 12. You’ll want to take his class, so sign up now as space is limited.

Would you like to see your business listed as a sponsor for the Oktoberfest? Call the Chamber for details on how you, too, can be recognized as a sponsor. Thank you to these businesses that are already supporting Oktoberfest 2008: Major Sponsor — Montrose Travel; Silver Sponsor: Montrose Bike Shop. Oktoberfest supporters: Robbin’s Nest Preschool, New Moon Restaurant; S.I.G. Property Management; Cal National Bank and Andy’s Transfer & Storage, So Cal Edison and Amado Plumbing, Tender Treasures and Bob Smith Toyota. Residential supporters are Jack and Marilyn Kashirsky.

The Chamber will not be having an August mixer.

The Chamber is located at 3516 N. Verdugo Road in Glendale and can be reached Monday though Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until noon at (818) 249-7171. We can also be reached by e-mail at mvcc@montrosechamber.org.

We want to hear from you.

The Montrose–Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce “It’s where you belong.”

MARIAN E. JOCZ is the executive director of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.